CYA level testing when you can't afford the accurate tester

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S

scoker

Member
May 4, 2025
8
Georgia
I'm struggling with accurate CYA levels right now. At the moment I can't afford a new test kit, so I'm using AquaChek strips along with taking to local pool store. Over the past month, I've been struggling with the chlorine disappearing at SLAM levels within hours of adding. Upon finding troublefreepool figured out that my CYA level was way too high for my 20×40 pool, so I'm not using tablets with stabilizer right now. Long story short, I lowered the CYA and it is much better now. However, now my straps show low CYA, below 30, but the pool store result today was 59, which was exactly the same as my previous test there a few days ago before partially draining and adding fresh water. My strips were showing between 90-100 before this. So, I trust them more than my local pool store.
Is there anyone out there with experience with these straps? I'm thinking my CYA level is more like 10-20, but not way to know. My goal is between 35-40.
 
scoker said:
but the pool store result today was 59, which was exactly the same as my previous test there a few days ago before partially draining and adding fresh water
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I'm sorry you are in a tough spot. This^^ demonstrates why we don't trust test kits or strips.

The TF-100 is reasonably affordable for $80 and includes everything you need ( TF-100 Test Kit ). It can save you lots of headaches, frustration and money chasing solutions and chemicals that are not needed.
 
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scoker said:
How many test will you get? I have the Taylor K-2005, but ran out of the CYA tester solution. I think it only gives you enough for 4 test.
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If all you need is the reagent it’s $13.50 and enough for 16 tests with the 20-100 tube.
tftestkits.net

R-0013 CYA Reagent (8oz)

tftestkits.net tftestkits.net
 
Yes
The CYA R-0013 reagent is the same in the K-2005, K-2006 and TFTestkits, so it will work with the various tubes that come with these test kits.
 
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scoker said:
Even though I really don't like the dot test, it is more accurate than the pool store and strips!
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Yes.

However I think you are doing yourself a diservice...once you get the CYA test, you are going to want to measure the FC, CC, TA, CH, pH. You are going to come back with test strip results, and we are going to ask the same thing.

You need a kit, even if it the $80 kit from TFTestkits.net or the Taylor K-2006. The TF-100 has more reagents which means more tests than the Taylor.
 
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I added this to the post above, but updated AFTER you gave me thumbs up.

However I think you are doing yourself a diservice...once you get the CYA test, you are going to want to measure the FC, CC, TA, CH, pH. You are going to come back with test strip results, and we are going to ask the same thing.

You need a kit, even if it the $80 kit from TFTestkits.net or the Taylor K-2006. The TF-100 has more reagents which means more tests than the Taylor.
 
PoolStored said:
Yes.

However I think you are doing yourself a diservice...once you get the CYA test, you are going to want to measure the FC, CC, TA, CH, pH. You are going to come back with test strip results, and we are going to ask the same thing.

You need a kit, even if it the $80 kit from TFTestkits.net or the Taylor K-2006. The TF-100 has more reagents which means more tests than the Taylor.
Click to expand...
I totally agree...have a daughter's wedding coming up in 4 weeks, so money is low. As soon as I can, I will be getting the best tester kit I can.
 
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